Documentary filmmaking requires a unique skillset and passion. Documentary filmmakers are often wearing multiple hats, one person doing the job of many, all in the pursuit of telling a compelling story in hopes of changing the way people think.

To tell these stories, filmmakers are held to the same high standards as any other style of production: Beautiful lighting, crisp audio, and thoughtful storytelling are the cornerstone of keeping any audience’s attention. However, in a documentary environment there are often times a much smaller crew available than in larger full-scale narrative filmmaking.

Come join Matt Porwoll, Director of Photography on such documentaries as the Academy Award Nominated - Emmy Award winning Cartel Land and critically acclaimed At the Fork, as he shares his techniques for telling a compelling visual story. Covering all stages of production, Matt discusses key preproduction objectives such as planning out equipment and making thoughtful compromises to find a balance between technical capabilities and physical limitations.

Then, Matt will take you through how to build important relationships as the Cinematographer with the Director as well as your subjects.

Moving into production, Matt will demonstrate various lighting and compositional techniques that he uses, keeping in mind the multitude of different environments and time constraints one can face when filming.

All attendees will receive hands on time with the cameras and lights, as well as review footage in Canon Burbank’s state-of-the-art 4K DI Suite. Don’t miss this opportunity to not only improve your documentary skillset – but to see your work displayed on a 130” 4K DCI Projection.